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When a blue copper (II) sulfate solution is introduced into an atomic absorption spectrometer, a green flame is observed - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 20
When a blue copper (II) sulfate solution is introduced into an atomic absorption spectrometer, a green flame is observed. Consider the following statements: I A co... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:When a blue copper (II) sulfate solution is introduced into an atomic absorption spectrometer, a green flame is observed - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
I A copper (II) sulfate solution appears blue because it absorbs red light.
Answer
This statement is true. A blue color indicates that red light is being absorbed by the solution, which aligns with color theory. When a substance appears blue, it reflects blue light and absorbs the complementary color, red.
Step 2
II The metal species undergoes oxidation in the flame.
Answer
This statement is false. In atomic absorption spectroscopy, the metal species typically does not undergo oxidation; rather, it is atomized to allow for the measurement of its concentration. The process primarily involves excitation rather than oxidation.
Step 3
III The flame is green due to electron transitions from a higher energy state to a lower energy state.
Answer
This statement is true. The green color of the flame indicates that electrons in the metal species are transitioning from a higher energy state to a lower energy state, emitting energy in the form of visible light.